Community-based forest enterprise development

PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION: The overall objective of this project is to enhance environmental management and to develop livelihood opportunities for forest-dwelling communities through improved forest use. In particular, the following outcomes are envisaged:

Improved capacity of POs, cooperatives, women’s groups, associations, and other interested individuals and groups in Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) areas engaged in community enterprise as well as the capability of DENR and LGUs to support and provide technical assistance to these same groups;

Development of networks and linkages amongst agencies, financial institutions, and organizations for financial, research, technology development, and technical assistance on community enterprise development; and

Development and/or enhancement of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) community enterprises in the uplands with a view to providing a sustainable source of income and employment opportunities in forestland communities.

PERNO and CENRO at the Local Government Units, and Community Based Forest Management Peoples Organizations

ACTIVITIES:

A training programme on Community-Based Enterprise Development has been implemented for People’s Organizations and Local Government Units in eight regions of the Philippines. DENR is developing a Guidebook on ENR-Community Enterprise Development and Management where project findings are incorporated, with corresponding policy analysis and support

Baseline assessments were conducted on products, organizational profile and enterprise evaluation through walkthrough, direct observation and interview with entrepreneurs

A training on Participatory Forest Resources Inventory has been conducted and an inventory has been realized

Memoranda of Agreement for supporting the project have been signed between People’s Organizations and some government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology and the Fiber Industry Development Authority.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND OUTCOMES: Project implementation conducted to the identification of the following activities for enterprise development:

Abaca and bamboo processing and marketing in Ilo Ilo

Rattan and woodcraft furniture in Leyte

Coconut Midrib handicraft in Bataan

Duhat fruit wine making in Pangasinan

Small scale wood industry in Cagayan

Timber harvesting and wood processing in Palawan

Romblon , Nito production and handicraft manufacturing in Davao Oriental